Imitation ceremonial rice

Abstract

A water soluble, quickly degrading imitation rice, which is not harmful to birds and will not germinate, for use in ceremonies such as weddings. The invention is produced by combining binders with digestible solids, extruding the mixture, and cutting to the approximate size and tapered shape of natural rice grains. The invention is produced in a natural rice color, or in other decorative colors as desired.

I claim: 
     
       1. A rice grain shaped product, comprising: a dried mixture of a solid material, including a binder which tends to be soluble in water; wherein the dried mixture is digestible by birds and has a diameter and length similar to the diameter and length of a grain of rice; and wherein the product tends to dissolve in water more quickly than does rice.   
     
     
       2. The product of claim 1 wherein the product has an end that is tapered similar to an end of a rice grain. 
     
     
       3. The product of claim 2 wherein the binder solution comprises water and gelatin. 
     
     
       4. The product of claim 3 wherein the solid material comprises flour and starch. 
     
     
       5. The product of claim 4 wherein the dried mixture has compressive strength lower than the strength required to withstand a force applied by a person compressing the mixture beneath the person's weight and between the person's shoe and a hard surface. 
     
     
       6. The product of claim 5 further comprising a pigment for altering the color of the dried mixture. 
     
     
       7. The product of claim 6, wherein the diameter is approximately two millimeters, and the length is approximately six millimeters.